Political Insider

By What????????

July 25, 2006 1:42 PM | Link to this

Cynthia actually scheduled a debate? I’m trying to remember what she looks like. All I ever see is an empty chair. It’s about time she start representing the people instead of just herself. Better late than never.

By Lee

July 25, 2006 2:06 PM | Link to this

McKinney in a debate? This should be interesting. Will she punch him and say he didn’t recognize her? Or will she scream and yell while he’s trying to answer the questions so no one can hear him? Or will she have her campaign supporters over run the location so no one else can get in? She’s a joke. No one takes her seriously. She should save what little reputation she has and stay home. Reputation? Oh, I’m sorry you have to have one to keep one.

By 98primary

July 25, 2006 2:22 PM | Link to this

I really hope Greg Hecht sticks it to Jim Martin on the issue of why all those kids had to die when Jim was the head of DFACS.

It’s time voters got to see the real issues in a primary run-off.

By formerstephensguy

July 25, 2006 2:24 PM | Link to this

Handel picked up 2 endorsements yesterday, Bailey and Martin endorsed her.

By Mike C.

July 25, 2006 2:39 PM | Link to this

Yeah - there’s a weird twist for you.

The hottest debate may not be McKinney v. Johnson - it may be Hecht v. Martin.

By Toad

July 25, 2006 2:41 PM | Link to this

Lee, have you ever been at an event where Cynthia is speaking? I have and she does not yell when others are speaking but listens. She responds to the question asked, not just whatever is on her agenda to talk about like some politicians.

By Cletus Snow

July 25, 2006 2:53 PM | Link to this

Wow, Mckinney and Martin, maybe one of them will break down and confess.Lets hope theres an officer handy with the cuffs and we get to see one of them maybe both do the perp walk.I guess thats wishful thinking, but maybe someone will ask the right questions and we’ll get to hear more of the political gobblygook.

By Rawena

July 25, 2006 3:29 PM | Link to this

This is pretty funny! Cynthia McKinney won “The Worst Hair in Congree” poll last week on [http://www.politics1.com].

She beat out Carl Levin. Check it out.

By Fultonscape

July 25, 2006 3:38 PM | Link to this

Driving home to Alpharetta on Saturday, I heard Jim Galloway as a moderator on the Citizen GEorgia show on 920 for a Republican Secretary of State runoff debate. Nice job Jim! Interesting avenue to pursue to allow callers to ask many of the questions in the debate. It got heated. I think they have the debate posted at text to be linked

By Toad

July 25, 2006 3:41 PM | Link to this

What does Martin have to confess to?

By Rome, GA

July 25, 2006 4:12 PM | Link to this

Martin has nothing to confess to. He resigned after being told to by Perdue because the governor was under political pressure to appoint a Republican to the job, not out of shame for children dying under DFACS control. Sadly, children die under DFACS control every year.

Hecht’s allegation that Martin is a supporter of weakening rape laws is false. After quoting him out of context by suggesting that Martin thinks rapists should get a pass if someone “knew better” reveals Hecht shortsightedness and ignorance of the law. That bill was intended to put MORE rapists behind bars by detailing the law more so that it would include circumstances that may have ordinarily gotten those accused of rape acquitted.

Greg Hecht is playing to ignorance and not recognizing the complexities of the law, while trying to score cheap political points on the backs of deceased children and rape victims.

By Does anyone know???

July 25, 2006 5:19 PM | Link to this

What does Handel stand for? What does Stephens stand for? The literature and ads I have seen from them is always about the other and how many bad things they did in the past. I have written to Handel and asked a simple question only to get a reply from her staff with a politically correct answer. In other words, no answer but just a bunch of BS that said absolutely nothing. I’m not sure if she is not another McKinney who looks out for only herself. I am stating this based on her lack of response and the evading of the question by her staff. The question I asked is what do you really represent and why the mud slinging when a good candidate does not have to resort to that? I got a very brief response saying she does not support illegal immigration and that she will stop illegals from bring registered to vote. I was unaware illegals were voting.

By CobbGOPer

July 25, 2006 5:28 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know??? -

While the campaign should have taken more time to respond to your inquiry, you should understand something: there are two weeks exactly left in this runoff, so they’re a little busy, you know?

If you want information on Karen’s plans and agenda for the Secretary of State office, visit her website at www.karenhandel.com.

If you want info on Stephen’s, he has a website too at www.billstephens.com.

Visit their websites for this kind of information, because if you’re writing e-mails or trying to get someone on the phone, trust me, they’re all too busy to talk to you right now.

By GMoney

July 25, 2006 5:42 PM | Link to this

Yes, I actually have been on hand to hear McKinney speak on a broad range of topics both here and in Washington. She’s just not a very bright woman by any stretch of the imagination. If I hear one more of her supporters call her a “strong black woman” who “speaks her mind,” I will lose my lunch. It’s about solid and credible representation, a keen understanding about and an ability to effectively articulate the issues and most importantly her responsiveness to her district— not just those she feels are in her corner. I wonder when we as African-Americans will figure out that we deserve more. Personally, I am sick to death of the “Uncle Tom” label we put on anybody and everybody who dares speak against Cynthia’s status quo. She owed us something better and failed time and time again to deliver. Now, we’ve got a chance to send a message to Cynthia and any other politician who takes the black vote for granted. Do the job or come home.

By Rod

July 25, 2006 5:57 PM | Link to this

Yeah, now Cynthia McRacist takes the debates seriously. I hope the panel nails her to the wall.

By Carl

July 25, 2006 6:55 PM | Link to this

Re Jim Martin,

He was over DHR, not just DFCS, for less than 2 years. He did the best he could under the intense pressure & scrutiny being a leader of DHR and DFCS had at that time (following after 2 other not-so-effective Commissioners). The current DHR commissioner is concerned ONLY with DFCS and children - forget all of the other important programs she’s responsible for. Good folk are leaving DHR in droves! Good, effective programs are being shaken up if they have nothing to do with children. She should have been made DFCS Director, NOT the DHR Commissioner. And now the board wants to give her a raise to $160,000 a year. I think Gov Perdue made a big mistake (like his natural gas privatization bill).

By native of Atlanta

July 25, 2006 7:19 PM | Link to this

Cynthia is the J.B. Stoner of our time.

By Ed

July 25, 2006 7:43 PM | Link to this

Cynthia McKinney has put “single black females� back years when she called out a Washington police guard. By faking her way through this incident her high profile will only serve to jeopardize girls who really are being tormented. When the girl in the Duke rape case came forward the first thing I thought of was I wonder if this is another Cynthia McKinney. I have a hard time believing she cares about anyone but herself. She even called her own assistant a “fool�. She needs to go away.

By Lee

July 25, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Yes Toad, I was there in 2002 when she and her campaigners broke the law and were in the election location shouting down everone that was there.

By More Insightful than Most

July 25, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

“GMoney” is a White person trying to gain credibility from blacks & respect from whites by posing as a black person. No black person as articulate as this would be obtuse enough to name themself “GMoney”

Nice Try Homey!

By More Insightful than Most

July 25, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

It is amazing that the people of today dont have a more clear view of what is happening around them. History is replete with the ostracism of those bold enough to go against those in power. History also shows that many of these apparent pariah were bold, just, and exactly what the masses needed. Let’s mention some of the most notable and add Mckinneys name so that many of you can gag. Remember JFK? How about MLK? If you are a student of history then you may even know that neither of them were exactly popular when they were alive. They simply had enough support to continue the fight, albeit with a certain sense of public indomitable obstinacy, while privately praying for the confidence to continue doing what they believe is right. The truth of the matter is that in today’s “Public Opinion Controlled by the Media� political environment, it’s risky not to be popular but it’s down right dangerous to be unpopular. Cynthia McKinney, you have my support and my voice until history shows you as one of those “More Insightful than Most� leaders that turn out to be slightly weaker than the weak-minded masses that seem to gain nigh invulnerable strength when it comes to fighting you.

By mes

July 26, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Anyone placing bets in Vegas that McKinney will be a NO SHOW??? I’m in for $100

By MartinStinks

July 26, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Jim Martin has a LOT to confess to.

People who play “Oh, he couldn’t help it,” or “He was only there two years!” or “Boo-hoo, he was there while the Republicans were in power and they were mean to him.”

Get over it!

It was Jim Martin’s job to protect kids, and he failed. 72 kids died while he was head of DFACS - some of them under extraordinary situations. Caleb Woods was sent home to a parent that was reported for TORTURING him not once, not twice, not three times, not four times, not five times, not six times, but SEVEN TIMES.

How can you let that slide?

By smilingwatcher

July 26, 2006 2:23 PM | Link to this

Every Georgian blog I go to has the same people rearing their heads and making uninformed comments about McKinney. It has been said so many times on this newspapers and other blogs that she represents those who are in her corner.

I find this assumption laughable. Yes, it is an assumption, as it is not backed up by fact.

McKinney has continually done her best for the people of Georgia and I am sure that she will be vindicated at the polls on the 8th. ‘More insightful than most’ made an excellent post on McKinney and other historical figures.

The media treatment of McKinney has been nothing short of revolting. That includes the coverage by the AJC, which has been extremely one sided in favour of Hank Johnson, who has proven nothing aside from his ability to criticise McKiney on issues with which he has no experience.

Take a look at Johnsons campaign website, every single news article posted on it is a negative piece on Mckinney, not one article is about his record or his proposals. He is a weak, opportunistic candidate who has used the media onslaught upon a tried and tested progressive politician to his advantage. Johnson has no positive message. In fact Johnson has openly courted the conservative press and anti-McKinney conservatives. Dignan, who posts on peach pundit is holding a dinner at which Hank Johnson will appear. Do these sound like the actions of a progressive, or even a democrat?

With regard to McKinney not attending debates hosed by WSB I will say this. WSB coverage of Mckinney has been an attack, not a report. WSB-TV and radio are both owned by Cox Broadcasting, who owns the AJC? Cox Broadcasting. Neal Boortz on a radio show on WSB called McKinney a ‘ghetto slut’. Why would McKinney enter the studio of a network that condones this kind of behaviour. WSB and Fox news share an employee, Sean Hannity, who has had Johnson on his show several times, inclduing tonight if I’m not mistaken. hannity is pushing Johnson and has continually gone after McKinney.

Mckinney is herself a source of pride for Georgians. She has become an international figure thanks to her support for human and gay rights, her standing on the failings of the intelligence community and the government both pre and post 9/11.

I have found McKinney to be a rousing speacher maker, who knows exactly what she is talking about. To say that she ‘not a very bright woman’ does not make her so, please provide some factual basis for this statement.

The fact that one poster refers to McKinney as ‘Cynthia McRacist’ just shows the level of idiocy surrounding some of the anti-McKinney camp.

Some people are just ignorant to McKinney, others are just misinformed. Make no mistake about it, the press are against her, but the people are with her.

By MW

July 26, 2006 3:10 PM | Link to this

Smilingwatcher,

I am a lifelong Democrat and one who agrees, in principle, with some of the things McKinney says. But the point is this: With her, all roads lead to race. All problems we face, if you listen to her, can be tied to racism or to some conspiracy theory. Even members of the Congressional Black Caucus are starting to distance themselves from her. Did you notice the deafening silence from them during the Capitol Hill police debacle?

Unlike some, I don’t think Cynthia McKinney is the antichrist of politics…but I do think that she is an opportunistic politician who exploits race to boost her support. Likewise, I think we would be better served in Congress by someone who can be a bridge-builder and commands the respect of her fellow representatives.

Whether she is intelligent or not is a non-issue. She has rendered herself irrelevant in Congress by making extreme or poorly considered remarks about topics that do nothing to advance the cause of voters in her district.

If racism is her genuine concern, she should be addressing topics like educational equality and expanding opportunities for those minorities who have been left behind. But instead, she chooses to grandstand and make appearances with civil rights “leaders” like Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, etc.

Sure, she TALKS about race problems…but how about a LEADER who takes some real action??

By Tim

July 26, 2006 5:29 PM | Link to this

Smilingwatcher, I agree with you 100%.

Cynthia McKinney should never, EVER go to a debate sponsored by WSB. With the comments Neal Boortz has made, and the way she is constantly demonized on their television newscast, they have the audacity to think they are worthy of her presence?

Hank Johnson was my county commissioner, and I never knew he was such an opportunistic weasel. Aligning himself with Sean Hannity? Despicable. Doesn’t he understand he’s being used just like Denise Majette? The people who crossed-over and voted for her in 2002 never even considered supporting her in the Senate race against Johnny Isakson. When will they learn?

Some people say that everything with McKinney is centered around race. What a joke, I don’t see how anyone can say that with a straight face. She has embraced anti-war activists, gay rights, human rights, worker rights, the 9/11 truth movement, women’s rights, and many other important common-sense issues. But according to some, these issues only affect black people. Which is of course, laughable.

Some of you have let the corporate media turn your brains into mush. I support you Cynthia, and I appreciate you being the only member of Congress to speak out after 9/11. Because the rest of the gutless cowards were afraid of being labeled “unpatriotic”. Then years later they said, “We were duped”. But McKinney knew what these war profiteers were up to from the very beginning.

And she’s one of the few members of Congress who hasn’t been bought by lobbyists and special-interests. What rational person would vote against a representative like this? She’s got my vote.

By Tim

July 26, 2006 5:29 PM | Link to this

Smilingwatcher, I agree with you 100%.

Cynthia McKinney should never, EVER go to a debate sponsored by WSB. With the comments Neal Boortz has made, and the way she is constantly demonized on their television newscast, they have the audacity to think they are worthy of her presence?

Hank Johnson was my county commissioner, and I never knew he was such an opportunistic weasel. Aligning himself with Sean Hannity? Despicable. Doesn’t he understand he’s being used just like Denise Majette? The people who crossed-over and voted for her in 2002 never even considered supporting her in the Senate race against Johnny Isakson. When will they learn?

Some people say that everything with McKinney is centered around race. What a joke, I don’t see how anyone can say that with a straight face. She has embraced anti-war activists, gay rights, human rights, worker rights, the 9/11 truth movement, women’s rights, and many other important common-sense issues. But according to some, these issues only affect black people. Which is of course, laughable.

Some of you have let the corporate media turn your brains into mush. I support you Cynthia, and I appreciate you being the only member of Congress to speak out after 9/11. Because the rest of the gutless cowards were afraid of being labeled “unpatriotic”. Then years later they said, “We were duped”. But McKinney knew what these war profiteers were up to from the very beginning.

And she’s one of the few members of Congress who hasn’t been bought by lobbyists and special-interests. What rational person would vote against a representative like this? She’s got my vote.

By MW

July 26, 2006 6:40 PM | Link to this

Tim

When you say that Cynthia McKinney ISN’T all about race, how do you explain a quote like this:

“My opponents are attempting to polarize the election along racial and party lines.”

This was in a recent AJC article about THIS year’s primary election against Hank Johnson.

What racial lines?? (Both candidates are black)

What party lines?? The candidates are both Democrats (!)

This statement from her is nonsense. There are people of all races and parties that like her AND don’t like her. The voting demographics bear this out.

This is just Cynthia McKinney up to more of her usual divisive race-baiting tactics.

By MW

July 26, 2006 6:48 PM | Link to this

One further question for Tim and other Cynthia supporters:

You say: “She has embraced anti-war activists, gay rights, human rights, worker rights, the 9/11 truth movement, women’s rights, and many other important common-sense issues.”

Sure, maybe she has “embraced” these causes, but can you point to even one single piece of legislation on these topics that she has passed in the last few years???

I agree with the fact that she embraces these issues, but she has only done so with her voice.

We need someone who can do more than just talk about those issues. We need someone who can actually work with others to get RESULTS.

By Tim

July 26, 2006 7:27 PM | Link to this

MW,

You really don’t understand the comments she made about polarizing the election? Isn’t it obvious with the AJC and other publications in Atlanta that there is an effort to get the white Democrat voters in North Dekalb, Gwinnett, and Rockdale to support Hank Johnson. And people are also encouraging Republicans who didn’t vote in the primary to pick up a Democratic ballot and vote for Johnson. Is that not “racial and party lines”? Again, how can she be “all about race” with all the different groups and issues she supports?

Oh, and here’s the other predictable tactic that the anti-McKinney people love to spout—“But…. but…but what legislation has she passed?” As if she really has a chance of passing truly progressive legislation when we have people like Lynn Westmoreland in the House of Reps who want to murder the Voting Rights Act. With the issues that she embraces, do you really think a Republican-controlled House of Representatives will allow her legislation to pass? Get real. Oh yeah, it’s her fault that she’s surrounded by a bunch of backwards, heartless, lobbyist-influenced crooks.

What significant legislation has Tom Price passed? What about Westmoreland? How about Phil Gingrey? And their party controls the House of Representatives. And you have the nerve to call out McKinney on this? Please.

How long are you going to recycle this tired talking point?

By MW

July 26, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

Tim,

I will grant you that her views are in the minority and therefore make it less likely that her legislation gets passed. But what a good representative does in those circumstances is builds coalitions and finds ways to achieve results by reaching out to others. Ted Kennedy, Russ Feingold, the late Paul Wellstone and others are examples of liberals who have had a great deal of success in passing legislation by forging coalitions with others. (Yes, I realize they are Senators and not Reps, but the point is the same)

As for civil rights/race issues, why is it that people like John Lewis, Elijah Cummings, James Clyburn (people who share some of the same causes as Cynthia McKinney) can push for the same things in a way that brings honor and dignity to the office they hold???

How many times have you heard of John Lewis getting into a shoving match with a Capitol Police officer??

John Lewis, and many other members of the CBC demonstrate consistently that you can fight for those ideals in a way that unites people….and conduct yourself in a dignified manner while doing so.

Cynthia McKinney is ineffective in Congress because people don’t listen to her.

Even the CBC was silent on the police incident…that should tell you something.

In the end, it isn’t about her race, her positions, or her voting record. It’s about her inability to represent her district in a effective way. Period.

By Tim

July 27, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

MW,

I’m still waiting to see how McKinney is “all about race” and it would be great to get some examples of the wonderful legislation that our other Georgia U.S. Representatives have passed. You McKinney detractors love to single her out, and all of you repeat the same spin.

McKinney has just as much honor and dignity as anyone else in Congress. She is a representative who speaks for the voiceless. And your point is not the same when comparing Senators to Reps. It’s a little easier to forge coalitions when you have 100 Senators as opposed to 435 House members, for the simple fact that it is less brain-dead Republicans that you must persuade.

And even Democratic Senators can’t get much done with this Republican Senate. Ted Kennedy can’t even get them to raise the minimum wage that has been stagnant since 1997. And then people like you come along and say, “Ted can’t even get legislation passed”. As if it’s his fault that Republican corporatists don’t care if wages keep up with inflation. Russ Feingold voted against the civil liberties-shredding Patriot Act. Who joined him? Is it his fault?

NEWSFLASH: McKinney was not indicted for her alteracation with the cop. IT’S OVER. But you can’t accept that. You weren’t there when the incident occured, you don’t know what the cop did. The grand jury must not have thought the cop had a case. So CASE CLOSED.

But of course you want to keep bringing it up, because there is nothing else you can talk about. McKinney went before the law and was not charged. But you only respect our system of laws when you agree with its decisions. Dude, let it go. And if John Lewis would have fought that cop who busted his head in Alabama, I would look at him no differently.

And it amazes me to hear some of these Bush supporters so outraged at her scuffle with an officer. Yeah, because that’s much worse than starting a pre-emptive war and slaughtering civilians. It’s much worse than sitting back and doing nothing while people drown in New Orleans. It’s much worse than stealing elections and operating a torture chamber in Guantanamo. McKinney is so evil!!

McKinney is only ineffective to people who despise her. Her positions and voting record is important to me. The only people she has to worry about is the people in the 4th Congressional District. Why should she care about what Republicans in Alpharetta, Duluth, and Marietta say about her? If people in Dekalb County tried to tell Rep. Tom Price how he should perform for his district, do you think he would pay them any attention? Exactly.

By GMoney

July 27, 2006 5:22 PM | Link to this

DEAR MR. MORE INSIGHTFUL THAN MOST. TOO BAD YOU ARE SUCH A POOR JUDGE OF CULTURAL NUANCES. I AM ABSOLUTELY BLACK AND A WOMAN— MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. AND SO ARE MY CHILDREN. MY FRIENDS HAPPEN TO CALL ME G-MONEY BECAUSE MY FIRST NAME STARTS WITH G. THE DIFFICULTY FOR YOU AND OTHERS LIKE YOU IS THAT YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE THE ABILITY THE HAND OUT AND/ OR WITHHOLD SO-CALLED BLACK CARDS. IT’S A PITY THAT YOU SOMEHOW BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE WITH A SOLID EDUCATION AND A FIRM GRASP OF THE ISSUES COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE BLACK. MAYBE THAT’S WHY YOU KEEP VOTING FOR CYNTHIA. CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF—- HOMEY!